Friday, July 15, 2016 – evening

Things are in place so that I can take a breather and return to Missouri for a few weeks, but it could also be cut short.  I drive back to Missouri tomorrow with the plan to return to Illinois Aug. 14.  Mom turns 90 on Aug. 16.

Visit to Condell Immediate Care

Tuesday Mom became angry during a discussion Kevin and I were having with her.  We were talking about the possibility of her not driving.  She got mad, claimed she could walk to see Dad, and then promptly left the house in 90 degree weather with no identification.

Kevin and I waited a few minutes.  Then we left to see where she might have gone.  We couldn’t find her, so Kevin took her car to search.  I headed back to her town home in case the phone rang.  She was home.

The next day I noticed she had blood on her leg.  She fell while walking, but claimed nothing hurt.

Today she had swelling and some discoloration.  Despite her resistance, we went to Condell Immediate Care in Gurnee.  They did an x-ray to rule out the possibility of any broken bone.  None broken.  She started on an antibiotic and needs to take it for 7 days.  I created a sheet so she could keep track of when to take the pills.  As I type, she’s watching TV with an ice pack on her swollen foot.

Do Nothing Lawyer

The lawyer who assisted my folks with wills and trusts has not replied to my request for a paid consultation.  I’m not surprised.  She did not return a call I made in 2015.

All Set for In-Home Assistance When Needed

On the plus side, Mom, Kevin and I met with the Director of Nursing from BrightStar of Gurnee the other day and had a two-hour meeting at Mom’s.  As a result, we now have additional support for Mom to have any assistance she will need in the future.  We will start with transportation as needed, but if her needs increase, she can have more assistance.

Nice Visits with Dad Today

Mom got some smiles from Dad today during our visits.  He looked around and tried to speak occasionally, but the words would not come together.  Thoughts were there, sentences were started with a word…restarted with another word…and then lost.  He also seemed to have somewhat labored breathing.  It was one of the better visits this past week or so.

Photo below:  Mom and Teresa.   Teresa is the wife of Franz, Dad’s roommate.  She lives in the independent living section of the Village of Victory Lakes and visits Franz daily during meals when she feeds him.

Complications Ahead

As Mom continues to resist the need for assistance from anyone, I feel a bit of ease knowing we have BrightStar on board if needed.  They are just a phone call away.

Not kidding myself, though.  The shit could hit the fan at any time…and probably will, what with Mom still determined to pass her driving test…Dad declining…etc.

Just hope things can remain stable until I return in four weeks.  It’s a faint hope, though. I may be back sooner.